Moscow's Gorky Park

An aerial view of Gorky Park in 1979. For decades, the 300-acre park has provided Muscovites with a swath of tranquil greenery in the heart of the Russian capital. 

The park was a major center of "leisure and culture" during the Soviet era. 

Although the park and its attractions remained popular with Muscovites, they were starting to suffer from neglect by the turn of this century. 

A number of cheap stalls and cafes were also blamed for lowering the tone of the park. 

The park's reputation was not helped by the fact that it became the focal point of celebrations for ex-servicemen celebrating various military anniversaries. 

It is also being used as a venue for various creative performances and innovative art installations, such as this mural made completely out of coffee beans. 

A dance performance in Gorky Park earlier this year